The Ultimate Family Holiday Guide
- , by Tina Mangan
- 7 min reading time
There is nothing quite like Christmas in New York City with kids.
The lights, decorated storefronts, ice skating, hot chocolate and the excitement of seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree for the first time make New York during the holidays feel like a real-life Christmas movie.
Whether you live in NYC or you're planning a family holiday trip to New York, there are certain Christmas traditions that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
From Fifth Avenue to Central Park, here are some of our favorite ways to experience the magic of Christmas in NYC with kids.
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Trust me: no Christmas trip to New York is complete without seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The Rockefeller Center tree at rockefeller plaza is typically lit the week after Thanksgiving, remains up until early January, and the tradition dates back to 1931. For little ones, the Rockefeller Christmas tree feels especially magical with over 50,000 lights. Tip: visit after dark to see it fully illuminated! In 2026, the lighting is on December 2nd, and I recommend attending if you. Then walk through Rockefeller Center to take in the decorations and holiday atmosphere.
If you're traveling with younger children, going earlier in the evening can make the experience a little easier before the biggest nighttime crowds arrive, especially since the nearby ice skating rink is the most iconic in NYC and also the busiest during the holiday season.
See the Holiday Windows on Fifth Avenue
Bundle everyone up and take a walk down Fifth Avenue to see the Christmas window displays.
The department stores and boutiques transform their windows for the holiday season, making the walk itself an experience for kids. Saks Fifth avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are standout stops for beautiful Christmas decorations, and Saks Fifth Avenue also puts on a holiday light show.
Macy's in Herald Square is another classic stop, thanks to its interactive holiday windows. It's also one of those wonderfully simple New York traditions: grab a hot chocolate, walk Fifth Avenue, and let the kids take in all the lights, decorations, and a little holiday shopping.
Go Ice Skating in New York City
While the skating rink at Rockefeller Center is the most iconic in NYC, Bryant Park offers a large rink, and Wollman Rink in Central Park comes with skyline views. Bryant Park's rink spans 17,000 square feet and feels especially family friendly.
Even in cold weather, watching the skaters with the city in the background still feels wonderfully festive. At Bryant Park, skating is free if you bring your own skates, though skate rentals are available for an extra cost.
Visit Bryant Park Winter Village
Families can wander through one of the city's best holiday markets, as the Bryant Park Christmas market features over 180 kiosks for shopping. Visitors can enjoy food while browsing, skating, and taking in the giant Christmas tree.
It's an easy activity to combine with a day exploring Midtown Manhattan, which is also a hub for nearby holiday markets, including Grand Central Terminal and its own holiday market indoors. Union Square is another popular Christmas market, with over 150 vendors and a 10 a.m. opening.
See a Christmas Show
For older kids, seeing a holiday performance in New York can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall is perhaps the most iconic choice and a classic NYC holiday tradition for families, especially if you want something more holiday-specific than many Broadway shows.
The famous Radio City Rockettes lead this holiday show with elaborate costumes and festive scenes that make it feel tailor-made for Christmas in New York City.
Add a festive dinner afterward and you've got a picture perfect Christmas-in-New-York night.
Performances typically run 4–5 times daily, so reserving your time slot in advance is a smart move during Christmas time.
Take a Holiday Walk Through Central Park
Pick up hot chocolate, let the kids explore and enjoy a quieter moment away from the holiday crowds. If you want a slower option in the cold, a carriage ride can be a cozy way for families to see more of the park.
If you're lucky enough to visit after a snowfall, even better, since the snow and other festive things around the park can add to the Christmas feeling and holiday spirit.
Visit FAO Schwarz
Any fans of the movie Big?
For kids, Christmas and toys are pretty much inseparable, and FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center fits perfectly into holiday shopping near the tree.
A stop at FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Center is an easy addition when you're visiting the Christmas tree. Give the kids time to explore the toys and see the famous giant piano. In Midtown Manhattan, it's close to Times Square and well worth visiting with kids during an NYC Christmas trip.
Find the Best Hot Chocolate in NYC
Want to know one of our favorite parts of a winter day in New York? Stopping for hot chocolate.
Make it part of the adventure and let the kids warm up between Christmas activities. It's also a great way to break up a long day of walking (especially with younger children). Chelsea Market is a warm indoor stop for food, Christmas decorations, and a gingerbread village during the holiday season with beautiful Christmas decorations.
Have a Christmas Morning in NYC
Some of the sweetest NYC Christmas memories happen away from the big attractions and the crowds.
Matching pajamas, Christmas movies, books in bed and excited kids waking up early are often the moments parents remember most.
For families visiting New York during the holidays, pack a special pair of Christmas pajamas for the kids and create your own little Christmas-in-NYC tradition in your hotel room. For families visiting NYC, it's a simple way to make Christmas morning in the Big Apple feel even more special.
And for families who call New York home, there's something extra special about celebrating the city during its most magical season.
Christmas in NYC, From Daytime Adventures to Bedtime
At Basically SoHo, New York isn't just a destination. It's home and the inspiration behind so much of what we create.
Our travel-inspired children's pajamas and Jet Set Baby books celebrate the places families love and the memories little travelers make along the way.
And this holiday season, we're bringing the magic of Christmas in New York City to bedtime! Our Christmas in NYC Collection is coming this October, with festive New York-inspired prints designed for babies and kids.
Think twinkling lights, iconic New York holiday moments and the magic of Christmas in the city... all in the soft bamboo pajamas Basically SoHo is known for.
Because there's no place quite like New York at Christmas.
